Romanian ex-president being investigated on suspicion of money laundering

BUCHAREST, May 6 (Reuters) - Romanian prosecutors are
investigating former president Traian Basescu on allegations of
money laundering, a statement said on Friday.

Sources had said in April that the case was being
investigated but the statement is the first official
confirmation. Basescu held office between 2004 and 2014.

Prosecutors from the Supreme Court said he was suspected of
money laundering between October 2000 and May 2005 by
"conducting successive contracts to sell and purchase property".

Basescu, who appeared in court earlier in the day, declined
to comment. The outspoken former sea captain lost his immunity
from prosecution after stepping down as head of state after two
terms.

It was unclear whether the investigation, the first phase of
the procedure, will lead to a trial.

Romania is perceived as one of the European Union's most
corrupt states and Brussels, which keeps its justice system
under special monitoring, has praised magistrates for their
efforts to curb graft.
(Reporting by Luiza Ilie; Editing by Alison Williams)